The Best PlayStation Games of 2021

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – January 4, 2022

Which PS5 and PS4 games impressed professional reviewers the most during the past year? We rank the best-reviewed PlayStation titles released between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 by Metascore. Games must have at least 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible for inclusion. If a game appears on both PlayStation platforms, only the version receiving the higher quantity of critic reviews (typically the PS5 version) is eligible for inclusion. (All scores listed here are from January 2, 2022.)

5 of 14 photo by Sony

88 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PS5)

(#9) Perhaps the most notable exclusive released for Sony's PlayStation 5 to date, the latest entry in the nearly 20-year-old cartoon-styled platformer franchise from Insomniac Games follows five years after a PS4 franchise reboot. Designed to be approachable for newcomers and longtime fans alike, Rift introduces a new playable character, the resistance fighter Rivet (who aids the titular duo), and a storyline (set across both new and returning locations) centering on an alternate dimension in which the villainous Dr. Nefarious is now an emperor.

“For as long as the adventure lasts, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart does pretty much everything that a Ratchet and Clank fan and PS5 player would hope for. It tells a great story, has trademark humor and quality voice acting, and the pacing and gameplay is always satisfying and enjoyable.” —Gaming Age

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